Auto Transport Services in Hawaii (HI)

Safe And Reliable Hawaii Car Shipping Services By A-1 Auto Transport

The beautiful islands of Hawaii consist of a paradise to which many people on the mainland wish they could escape on a daily basis. Between the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean to the colorful culture that permeates all aspects of life here, there is much to see and do, which makes this both a huge tourist draw as well as a popular spot to which to relocate.

Shipping a vehicle to one of the islands can be expensive, but it is well worth it when you consider the ability you have to drive yourself to one of the many sites that can’t be missed, particularly on the Big Island. From the trendy downtown shopping district in Honolulu to one of the numerous picturesque beach settings, Hawaii is as much an experience as it is a destination.

Car Shipping Companies Near Me

Looking for auto transport companies near you in Hawaii? Car transports to and from Hawaii get complicated quickly. Not only will you have to figure out how the vehicle will get across the ocean, say the 2,500+ miles to Los Angeles, but you’ll also have to have to make arrangements from where it goes from there. This can be an overwhelming situation, but we are here to help in all of your transport needs. Let us know your plans and connect with us. Head to A1 Auto Transport to compare brokerages and carriers with trucks in your area right now.

Tips For Handling Hawaii Car Transport Companies

When you are looking to book Hawaii car shipping services, keep a few key tips in mind.

• Plot out points of interest: There is so much to see in Hawaii, that it can be easy to miss something. Do yourself a favor and plot out your points ahead of time to ensure that you get where you want to be and see as much as possible during your visit to this beautiful and scenic state.
• Get quotes ahead of time as they can be pricey going from the islands to the mainland: It can be pricier than usual to go from the mainland to the islands and back. Plan ahead by getting as many Hawaii vehicle shipping quotes as possible, so that you have time to find and book the company that provides a quote within the range of your personal budget.
• You may need to ship more than once: If you plan to island hop and want your car with you when you do, then you may need to ship more than one time to ensure that you are independent during your travels.

A trip to Hawaii is something that should be experienced at least once and the more independent you can be during your trip, the better. Use your car to explore the island and take advantage of shipping services to get your vehicle from one island to the next.

Visit the Hawaii Department of Transportationn website for more information on shipping your automobile to Hawaii.

Long Distance Auto Transport to/from Hawaii

A1 Auto Transport handles shipments throughout the US, even to/from Hawaii. If you wish to transport a car to another state or to another country, consult with our staff regarding the most appropriate route and transportation method.

Land auto transportation is generally handled with open carriers, since they’re more convenient, and they can reach remote places that trains and planes don’t have access to. Shipping across the Atlantic is usually done by boat. It’s far cheaper than a plane, but it’s also much slower. Finally, shipping by plane is the fastest method, but due to the price and difficulty in booking one, it’s rarely used for vehicles.

International Auto Transport from/to Hawaii

Although planes are an option, and a faster one at that, most people prefer shipping their cars by boat due to the much lower price. It can take a few weeks for the car to arrive at your country of choice, but you can plan ahead, so time does not become an issue.

You can transport your car with either a RoRo service or with a container. RoRo implies driving it onto the ship. It’s the cheapest option, but it doesn’t allow for your baggage to be shipped as well. On the other hand, if you put your car in a container, it can be shipped with as much baggage as you want.

However, keep in mind you’ll be paying for the payment of the entire container, regardless if you’ve filled it or not. You can also share a container with other clients, but this can lead to confusion and delays at the dock.

Cheap Car Transportation Options in Hawaii

Transporting a car to Hawaii from the mainland and vice versa can be very time consuming and expensive. Choosing an auto transport company that’s used to shipping cars to/from this island will save you a lot of trouble. Although prices are very reasonable and sometimes even cheaper than transporting the car yourself, here are a few things you can do to lower them further:

• Avoid air freight since it’s much more expensive than other transportation methods, especially for large cargo like cars. Your car should be shipped via boat and open carrier instead. Open carriers are much more affordable than enclosed ones, due to their larger carrying capacity and availability.
• Use the terminal to terminal option instead of door to door, since it’s much cheaper. The driver can pick up multiple cars from a terminal, saving the company time and money. Because of this, the cost of such a service is lower also.
• During certain seasons, auto transportation prices are lower. A1 Auto Transport has seasonal offers prepared for such times of the year, to encourage potential customers to ship their cars. You can take advantage of this and of any discount you’re eligible for to make the final price more affordable.

Shipping Luxury and Classic Cars to Hawaii

Owners of antique or exotic vehicles usually value time and quality of service more than anything. For such clients, an enclosed carrier is ideal. It delivers their classic and luxury cars in a timely manner while providing protection from any outside danger (debris, weather conditions, dirt), and unfavorable incidents.

Top and side covers as well as straps secure the car on the trailer. They are especially calibrated to ensure a safe ride. The company uses direct routes, so your shipment gets to Hawaii in a short amount of time.

Hawaii Special Discounts

Auto shipping services are offered at special prices to seniors and students that wish to transport their cars throughout the US. Military members that contract any of our services benefit from similar discounts. You can cut costs even if you’re not part of these groups, if you take advantage of our seasonal offers.

Auto Transport Safety Measures in Hawaii

The biggest contributor to your car’s safety during transport is the carrier itself. All carriers allow us to fix the car in place, and they prevent flying objects from reaching it to a certain degree.

Because we’re not actually driving the car, the only risks to its safety are bumping into things and other objects hitting it. Since every car is strapped in place, there’s no way for them to hit each other. Flying objects like pebbles are also stopped by the surrounding beams.

For optimal protection, you can choose an enclosed carrier for the transport. However, for a normal shipment, open carriers are perfectly safe as well.

How to Request a Price Estimate

The easiest way to request a price estimate is with the online form you can find on all our pages. Click the “Get an Instant Quote” text on the top of the page to reach it. You can also access it faster by putting in your pick up and drop off points in the quote calculator, then click on “Calculate cost”.

There will be a few more fields for you to complete afterwards, which should only take you a couple minutes. Take your time and complete them accurately to get a good response.

If forms are too impersonal, you can call our office and discuss your needs over the phone. You may contact us using the number listed near the form. We’ve had clients who’ve saved up to 15% on their shipping price because they spoke to us directly.

Hawaii Auto Transport Companies Directory

Matson Terminals

This Hawaii automobile transportation company employs professionals that are among the best in the industry and specializes in relocating your vehicles safely and carefully over water to and from the mainland.

1411 Sand Island Pkwy., Honolulu, HI

808-848-1211

Matson Terminals

Young Brothers

Young Brothers provide shipment and delivery of cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, motorcycles and more in special containers and always makes sure to do a thorough inspection of your car before, during and after the shipping process.

1331 North Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI

808-543-9311

Young Brothers

Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines

If you need an affordable auto shipping option, then this business might just be the one for you. Pasha has shipping rates that won’t break the budget and an array of services to meet your specific auto shipping needs. Open air and enclosed shipping vessels always meet their schedules.

965 N. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI

808-523-8625

Horizon Lines

Providing a lengthy track record with great reviews for solid car shipping to and from the mainland and an impeccable customer service reputation, Horizon provides a wide range of shipping services to meet your needs. BBB accredited car shippers, check their review online.

1601 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI

808-842-5333

Horizon Lines

A&P Shipping Corporation

Providing shipping for vehicles and other freight to and from the mainland with ease. Licensed, bonded and insured. Deliveries nationwide all over the United States. Offers military and seasonal discounts/specials. Call or email them today for a free price quote.

94-547 Ukee St., Number 305

Waipahu, HI

808-677-1488

Vehicle Registration Process in Hawaii

A vehicle needs to be registered in a county of Hawaii, where the owner lives. The registration process varies by the county. A safety evaluation, submission of the registration application form and vehicle title, and payment of applicable fees are the requirements.

If you have plans to relocate to Hawaii or purchase a vehicle, you need to register it through the Transportation office. This state is unique, because the counties are in the form of islands. Vehicles are must be registered where you live.

Reminder: A new policy was implemented in 2017 requiring all Hawaii moped owners to have safety evaluations and register the mopeds each year. All counties are expected to comply with the new policy.

Before you move to Hawaii, or if you plan to stay for a long time, you need to apply for a permit or register the vehicle indicating the country you wish to reside in.

Hawaii Vehicle Registration Process for a New Resident

Your vehicle needs to be registered in 30 days if you plan to move to Hawaii. First, you need to secure a safety evaluation certificate coming from an authorized safety inspection office.

You need to submit the following documents to the nearest county:

• A completed form (Registration of Vehicle Application);
• A recent vehicle registration certificate;
• An out-of-state document;
• A receipt of shipment (indicating the vehicle's date of arrival);
• A Safety Evaluation Certificate (Hawaii);
• Manufacturer's vehicle weight proof (If no document presented, your vehicle needs to be weighed using an authorized scale;
• A Vehicle Use Certification Tax Form (this document will determine if you must pay taxes for your vehicle);
• Pay all the applicable fees for registration.

Hawaii's Permit for Out-of-State Vehicles

If you do not have plans to stay for a long period of time in Hawaii, you have an option to apply for a temporary permit (out-of-state). You must have your vehicle inspected first at the nearest authorized safety check location.

You need to complete the details below in 30 days upon your arrival date:

• Provide a recent registration card listed under your name.
• Show your certificate of vehicle inspection.
• Fill out the Permit for Vehicle Application form.
• Submit a copy of shipping receipt indicating the arrival date.
• Pay the permit fee ($5).

After securing the permit, the license plates are going to be valid up to 1 year or until the expiration date mentioned on it, whichever comes first.

Vehicle Registration in Hawaii

There is a minimal difference in terms of the registration process for every county in this state. There is a registration process example below for a county. You may contact the closest DMV local office to get the required details.

If you’ve recently moved to another county or purchased a car, you need to register the vehicle at the closest vehicle registration station near the county you reside in.

There is a slight difference depending on the following:

• Vehicles purchased from private individuals;
• Vehicle (pre-owned/new) purchased from a dealership in Hawaii;
• Moving from one county in Hawaii to another.

Purchased vehicles from a dealership: Purchasing a vehicle from a dealer is easy. Generally, it is the car dealership who will process all the requirements to secure your vehicle's license and title, including the collection of the registration fee.

Purchased Vehicle from Private Individuals

Your vehicle needs to be registered in 30 days after your purchase it. Proceed to the vehicle registration station and send the following:

• The title of the vehicle (endorsed by the last owner in your name);
• A recent vehicle registration (Hawaii) from the last owner. For expired registrations and those that are due to expire in 45 days, you will be required to pay a renewal fee.
• A duly completed Registration of Vehicle Application form. (All owners included on the document must affix their signatures).
• A recent safety evaluation certificate.
• Pay the vehicle transfer fee (which is $5).

If the ownership is not transferred and the registration is incomplete in 30 days, a late fee of $50 is going to be charged. Overdue taxes shall be billed depending on the number of years the vehicle wasn't listed for. You may confirm these details with the vehicle seller to identify who needs to pay the overdue taxes, if needed.

Moving Counties within the State

Vehicles from Hawaii are should be registered depending on the area or county they are used in, rather than a state registration. When you plan to move counties within Hawaii, you need to register your vehicle using the new county residence address.

Proceed to a Department of Motor Vehicle office and submit the following:

• A duly completed Registration of Vehicle Application form. All owners included on the document need to affix their signatures.
• The vehicle's title.
• Registration certificate of the vehicle.
• Lienholder details (if applicable).
• Payment of associated fees (like registration fees, which is indicated on the registration form).

Hawaii Military Personnel and Vehicle Registration

There are different rules in registering the vehicle. It varies depending on the location or the residency of the service member applying for car registration in Hawaii.

Military members assigned in Hawaii from another state: If you need to register an out-of-state car in this state, you must contact the DMV in Hawaii for further instructions.

There is no need to pay for registration fees if you bought a car in the state or if you opt to register an out-of-state car.

Servicemen, Reservists, and those who are in tentative active duty as soldiers do not receive an exemption from paying registration fees. However, they may get an exemption to pay for weight taxes of vehicle for at least one car listed under their name.

In order to be exempted from the registration fee:

• Observe the recommended process listed above, whichever is applicable. AND
• Complete and send the required form: (Certificate of Non-Resident form and Hawaii Certificate of Residency form).

A form needs to be filled out each time there is an application to renew the registration, transfer car ownership and when moving counties within the same state.

If you decide to move to Hawaii, leave the vehicle in Hawaii or end your active duty as a serviceman, you will be required to pay fees and you must process the registration of your vehicle in 30 days.

Hawaii military residents assigned within the state: Military members who are also residents of the same state can register a car using a similar process for residents of Hawaii. They may be exempted from paying vehicle weight charges.

They need to secure a form to prove they are residents of Hawaii. The form is called a HI Resident Certificate. They may submit the form with the other documents indicated above to the closest vehicle registration location.

Hawaii servicemen residents assigned outside the state: If you are assigned outside the state, as a resident in Honolulu, a vehicle registration may be done via mail.

You must perform the following:

• Call the Customer Service of Honolulu.
• Complete a Military Resident document when you register the vehicle.
• Submit the complete form to the nearest DMV office (Hawaii) to make sure registration requirements are received in your present location.

Please call your assigned Vehicle Registration station if you need to check if this an option for you if you live in Kauai, Hawaii Counties, or Maui.

Registration Fees for Vehicles

Car registration fees depend on your residence county, weight of the vehicle, and other state/county taxes.

You must call your car registration office and ask for the cost of the associated fees.

Some of examples of fees in these counties are:

• County fee is 12 US dollars.
• State fee is 45 US dollars.
• Transfer fee is 5 US dollars.
• State weight cost would range from 1.75 centavos per pound up to a maximum of $300 if the weight goes beyond 10,000 pounds.
• County weight charge for trucks and passenger vehicles up to a maximum of 6,500 pounds is 1.25 centavos per pound, and if it exceeds 6,500 pounds, it would cost 2.5 centavos per pound.
• Beautification fee is 1 US dollar.
• Sticker replacement/renewal fee is $0.50.
• Replacement of plate is 5 US dollars.
• Duplicate registration fee is 5 US dollars.

How to Secure a Duplicate Copy of the Vehicle Registration in Hawaii

You need to apply for another copy of the registration certificate once you lose the registration, or in case it was damaged or stolen.

Proceed to the closest DMV location and do the following:

• Submit a form called the Duplicate Vehicle Registration Certificate application.
• Pay the associated fees charged by the county.

Vehicle Inspections in Hawaii

Hawaii requires the safety inspection of all vehicles before the registration process. A yearly inspection is also required after registering the vehicle.

Bring your car to an authorized vehicle repair shop and service station. You need to provide:

• Your present vehicle registration.
• Hawaii vehicle insurance.

A group of inspection specialists will be able to evaluate if the vehicle passes safety standards. Once you pass the evaluation, you will receive a certificate of inspection and a copy of the result will be submitted to the DMV. It may take 48 hours to update the information.

Inspection of emissions is not a requirement. It is the owner's responsibility to maintain it for a cleaner environment.

License plates in Hawaii: After you have successfully registered the vehicle, a standard license plate will be issued. There is an option to order customized license plates. You need to pay the additional cost to get one and it could take a longer time for you to receive them.

Other Hawaii Resources

Hawaii.gov - official government website for the state of Hawaii.

Hawaii Wikipedia Page - everything you need to know about the state of Hawaii.

University Of Hawaii - The University of Hawaii System includes 10 campuses and dozens of educational, training and research centers across the Hawaiian Islands. As the public system of higher education in Hawai‘i, UH offers opportunities as unique and diverse as our Island home.

Hawaii On Craigslist - local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, personals, services, local community, and events.

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Written By:Joe Webster

Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing. 

After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood. 

With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.